Results tagged ‘ rolen ’
Jays versus Rays as the deadline looms……
Tonight the Blue Jays square off against the Tampa Bay Rays at the Rogers Centre. It is the first of a three game series. Wednesday’s game will be an afternoon tilt. Let’s hope the boys can keep the momentum going after winning five of the last six as this series will definitely decide their fate. If they get swept, than the Jays should start looking towards next year.
On a happier note, Alex Rios has been playing a lot better lately. Especially on Saturday when he hit two home runs and had three RBI’s. The Jays are now above .500 (53-52) and are 7.5 games behind the Wild Card. That doesn’t seem all that bad, except that there are six teams ahead of them for the wild card. So unfortunately, I think they are finished. If healthy, I could see them making a run for it. But, they have injuries. Some of the players missing are Vernon Wells, Aaron Hill, Dustin McGowan, Casey Janssen, and Jeremy Accardo. Also, Scott Rolen, B.J. Ryan and Shaun Marcum have all spent time on the DL. Well, it just makes even a tougher hill to climb.
So the question to ask yourself is this: Should the Jays start trading some of their players? Riccardi says “no” as he likes this team and does not want to dismantle it. But how good is it, really? Will they be better next year (if healthy) with the same roster as this year? I don’t think so. Who’s to say that Vernon Wells becomes the same player as a few years ago? Maybe the constant injuries that he has endured over the past couple of seasons have worn him down. Maybe Vernon will never be a number four hitter, which the Jays are badly lacking. How about Alex Rios? Is this year a fluke, or will he remain inconsistent and be forever an underachiever? Plus, Burnett is more than likely leaving after this season and who knows if Dustin McGowan will be the same pitcher when he comes back from rotator cuff surgery.
I say trade them now (not Wells or Rios). One name that I heard mentioned was B.J. Ryan. That is an interesting name, as many teams could really use a ‘sure thing’ like Ryan. I personally think that it would be a bad idea. If the Jays want to compete next year, they will need a perennial closer. And that closer is B.J. Ryan. I personally think they should trade Matty Stairs, David Eckstein and perhaps Brian Tallett. Heck, even Greg Zaun. Plenty of teams would like him on their bench. Another name could be Scott Rolen.
Now I know this sounds a little negative and I hope that the Jays do play better this year. I also know that Toronto is not as bad as myself and others are implying. They are just above .500 and there are a few teams that would love to be at this position. I just feel that Riccardi can only build a .500 club and he just can’t seem to make the next step. J.P. keeps saying it’s because of the injuries and the payroll. Now when the Red Sox and Yanks get injuries, they just trade or sign a player. Unfortunately, the Jays cannot, and they need to rely on prospects. So why not trade some veterans for some young guys? Riccardi needs to realize that we will never have the same payroll as them and we need to win the old fashion way.
Heart and determination.
Thanks for reading and bye for now.
Ecstatic about Eckstein
With the MLB trade deadline coming up, there will be many rumours flying around the Rogers Centre. So far, Burnett and Eckstein are the ones being talked about. A.J. has an option left on his contract and most people figure he will walk. I tend to agree with them. Davie Eckstein on the other hand, is a free agent after this season and judging by how Cito Gaston has used him, I don’t think he will be back next year.
Apparently, Riccardi is looking to trade Burnett for a shortstop with some power. He is not happy with the production of Eckstein, the fan favourite, John McDonald and Marco Scutaro. Let’s not forget about Joe Inglett. Not happy? Eckstein is batting over .270 (I realize his average is not that great for a lead-off hitter), McDonald is the best in defense and Scutaro has been more than tolerable. Why does Riccardi think that he needs some power from this position? What about Left-Field? (I believe Adam Lind is over-rated, but that’s for another blog). How about consistency at DH. Does anyone really expect to win a division with Matt Stairs as your everyday DH? I think J.P. and the Jays would be better off looking for a hitter in the two above mentioned positions, than at SS. All season I have heard the commentators and fans complain about Eckstein. Is it because of his awkward stance or how he throws to first. Maybe it’s his all out hustle to first base. I’m not sure if they realize that he has won two WORLD SERIES and was the MVP in the 2006 World Series. I believe that Eckstein will get his average up to .290 if Gaston would keep him leading off. Gaston can substitute him with McDonald if the Jays are winning late in a game. And if Cito doesn’t want him to lead off, than why not put your shortstop in the ninth spot of the batting order? That’s why there’s a designated hitter, so you can place a lighter hitting/defensive player at the end of the lineup. This way J.P. could go find a slugger for the middle of the lineup. Perhaps Jason Bay?
If the Blue Jays come out stumbling after the All-Star Break, than I think they should dismantle the team. I’m not saying everybody, but why not Scott Rolen, Gregg Zaun, Matt Stairs, A.J. Burnett and B.J. Ryan. Just imagine what you could get for Ryan and Rolen. Heck, even Lyle Overbay. This way, we get some good prospects in return and if we want, trade them in the off-season for some veteran help. This is just a suggestion, I wouldn’t expect anyone to totally dismantle this team, but something has to be done. Nothing against Scott Rolen, he is one of my favourite players and I don’t want to see him go. But, if we could get something great in return, than why not.
Now I know it sounds like I have given up on the season, but you have to realize that we are currently 9 games out of a wild card spot, with seven teams ahead of us. It doesn’t look good. Sure, in the past couple of years Houston and Colorado have come out of nowhere in the second half to get into the playoffs. But we still lack ‘punch’ in the middle of the line-up.
Interesting Tidbit: The Jays are 12-21 in one run games. Imagine if it was reversed? That’s right, we would be tied for a wild card spot. Hmmmm.
Tomorrow the Jays are at home against the fourth place Orioles. Let’s see if we can climb past them with a sweep.
Thanks for reading and bye for now.
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